Planning Board
Mission Statement
The Planning Board oversees the implementation of “Land Use” as governed by the Town’s ordinances. The Board reviews, revises or initiates land use ordinances which provide rules and guidelines for the permitted development of commercial and residential property.
In the process of reviewing issues before them, the Planning Board:
- examines the relevant ordinances
- holds Public Hearings for citizen input, and
- determines a course of action
The Planning Board reviews and approves subdivisions; commercial entities; non- conforming uses, structures and lots; driveways; parking areas; and piers, ramps and floats. The Planning Board updates or writes new ordinances as needed to accommodate changes in the law. Ordinances changes are included in the Annual Town Meeting Warrant for approval by town residents.
When the Planning Board Becomes Involved
When a property owner wishes to develop land, the property owner completes an application for review by the Code Enforcement Officer (CEO). If the application is compliant with town ordinances, the CEO approves the application and a permit is granted. If the application needs further review, it is referred to the Planning Board for more substantive review.
What the Planning Board Does
When the Planning Board reviews a project, a noticed public hearing is held and the applicant or the applicant’s agent present project details. The merits are discussed within the guidelines of applicable ordinances and current law. The application is approved, approved with conditions, or denied by the Board. If approved or approved with conditions, the Board completes “Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law”. All materials and the written decision (approved or approved with conditions) are forwarded to the CEO, who issues the permit and monitors implementation of the project. If denied, the applicant may apply to the Board of Appeals for an Appellate Hearing for approval.
The Planning Board Meetings
The Planning Board meets at 7:00 pm on the second Wednesday of the month at the Town Office. The meeting may be canceled if there are no issues on the agenda or for inclement weather. The Planning Board has five members and two alternates.
Next meeting: 2/15/23, 7:00 PM, at the Town Office, 6 Fowles Point Rd.
The monthy minutes provide an outline of the work before us this past year:
Comprehensive Plan
Members
| Name | Position | Term Expires | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | Chair | 2025 | (201) 259-9039 |
| Archie Bonyun | Secretary | 2025 | |
| Joanna Jacobs | Member | 2024 | |
| John Henderson | Member | 2026 | |
| Robert Mooney | Member | 2024 | |
| Demi Martinez | Associate | 2025 | |
| Sandy Besecker | Associate | 2026 |